Upturned Nose and Nostril Exposure Correction with Closed Rhinoplasty Korea

Hello, this is Dr. Cha-Young Kang, Medical Director at Nose Lab Clinic.

Today, I’d like to share a meaningful case of closed rhinoplasty Korea, involving the correction of an upturned nose and excessive nostril exposure. The issue was caused in part by residual illegal filler material from an unlicensed injection 15 years ago.

##Upturned Nose and Nostril Exposure Correction | Closed Rhinoplasty Korea

📍Surgical History of Upturned Nose Correction with Closed Rhinoplasty Korea

Preoperative design consultation photos: Frontal view, left oblique side view, and left side view.

• 15 years ago: Received illegal (non-medical) nasal filler injection

• Later that year: Underwent rhinoplasty with silicone + septal extension + filler removal

• Two weeks later: Additional dorsal augmentation with synthetic implant

Preoperative design consultation photos: Right side view, right oblique side view, and nostril view.

🔎 Initial Presentation

Frontal View

• Prominent upturned nasal tip

• Excessive nostril exposure

• Flat, wide nasal contour

Profile View

• High radix (starting point of nasal bridge)

• Protruding upper lip

• Poor nasolabial angle

Nasal Base

• Asymmetric nostrils

• Deviated columella leaning to the left

✨ Patient Goals

• Reduce visible nostril exposure

• Lower the radix for a softer look

• Enhance nasal tip projection for a more balanced profile

💉 Surgical Approach

Photo of foreign material removal from the nose

Complete Removal of Foreign Material

• Despite previous surgery claiming removal, residual illegal filler material remained

• All foreign substance was meticulously removed

Structural Reconstruction

• Autologous rib cartilage graft used for nasal tip projection

• Corrected upturned nose

• Reduced nostril exposure

• Realigned deviated columella

Aesthetic Refinement

• Lowered radix to soften the nasal bridge

• Improved flat, wide nasal appearance

• Adjusted nasolabial angle

• Corrected nostril asymmetry

✅ Surgical Outcomes

Before Surgery (Left) / Immediately After Surgery (Right)

Frontal View

• Resolved upturned tip

• Significantly reduced nostril exposure

• Balanced nostril shape

• Naturally contoured nasal outline

Before Surgery (Left) / Immediately After Surgery (Right)

Profile View

• Lowered, more natural radix

• Improved nasolabial angle

• Softer, balanced side profile

• Corrected upper lip protrusion

Before Surgery (Left) / Immediately After Surgery (Right)

Nasal Base

• Corrected columellar deviation

• Symmetrical, natural-looking nostrils

Before Surgery (Left) / Immediately After Surgery (Right)

👨‍⚕️ Specialist Commentary

Immediately after surgery: Frontal view, side view, and oblique side view photos.

Immediately after surgery: Nostril view photos.

This patient underwent an illegal filler injection 15 years ago, which led to chronic complications including an upturned nose and asymmetrical nostrils. Despite undergoing a follow-up surgery claiming to remove the foreign material, remnants of the filler remained, contributing to ongoing issues.

Illegally administered fillers often contain non-medical substances that are not fully absorbable or safely removable. In this case, careful exploration revealed residual material, which was completely removed during surgery.

Using autologous rib cartilage, I reconstructed the nasal tip to create natural projection and support. The upturned nasal tip and overly exposed nostrils were corrected to achieve a more refined and balanced appearance.

The previously high radix was lowered, softening the overall impression and improving facial harmony. The nasolabial angle was also adjusted, which helped reduce the appearance of a protruding upper lip.

Finally, structural asymmetries, including a deviated columella and nostril imbalance, were corrected to achieve natural, symmetrical results.

This case is a powerful reminder of the long-term risks of illegal cosmetic injections and the importance of meticulous reconstruction using safe, autologous materials. With this surgery, we not only addressed lingering complications but delivered the natural, proportionate nasal contour the patient had always desired.

Thank you,Dr. Cha-Young KangMedical Director, Nose Lab Clinic